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Guide for patients and loved ones

Getting the home ready

During treatment home should be a safe refuge. A few changes make this easier.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A clean, bright room
Figure 1.A clean, bright room

01Short answer

To prepare the home: if possible, a separate, bright, well-aired room for the patient, with clean bedding changed often. Personal towels, toothbrush and dishes. In the kitchen, separate boards for raw and cooked food and a check of the fridge temperature. Surfaces are wiped regularly and dust and mould removed. Another family member takes over pet litter and gardening. A thermometer, emergency numbers and a packed bag sit by the door. To prevent falls, secure rugs and use a night light.

02Simple explanation

Home should be clean, airy and orderly.

Small changes give big protection.

03Scientific explanation

Mould and building dust spread spores of fungi such as Aspergillus; in severe neutropenia this is a serious infection risk.

At home, cleaning surfaces with bleach or a standard disinfectant is enough; extra chemicals are not needed.

04What happens in the body?

The room

Bright, aired and clean; few dust-collecting items; bedding washed often.

Kitchen and bathroom

Separate boards, a clean fridge, personal towels and a soap dispenser; any mould removed.

Personal towels
Figure 2.Personal towels — Getting the home ready

Safety

Secured rugs, a night light, a bathroom grab rail; the thermometer and emergency numbers in view.

An organised fridge
Figure 3.An organised fridge — Getting the home ready

05Preparing the home

Four steps.

Clean surfaces — Dust and mould.1Clean surfacesDust and mould.
A personal room — Light and air.2A personal roomLight and air.
A safe kitchen — Separate boards, a clean fridge.3A safe kitchenSeparate boards, a clean fridge.
Share the tasks — Pets, garden, cleaning.4Share the tasksPets, garden, cleaning.
Fewer infectionsA clean environment protects.
ComfortHome brings calm.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
The roomBright, aired and clean; few dust-collecting items; bedding washed often.
Kitchen and bathroomSeparate boards, a clean fridge, personal towels and a soap dispenser; any mould removed.
SafetySecured rugs, a night light, a bathroom grab rail; the thermometer and emergency numbers in view.

07Key terms

Aspergillus
A mould fungus; dangerous in severe neutropenia.
Disinfection
Reducing germs on surfaces.
Night light
A dim light that prevents falls.

08Key points

  • Keep the room clean and aired.
  • Keep personal items separate.
  • Make the kitchen safe.
  • Postpone renovations.

09Frequently asked questions

Are houseplants allowed?

Some centres advise against plants in soil; ask.

Do I need to give away my pet?

Usually not, but someone else should handle litter and care.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Are houseplants allowed?

  2. Do I need to give away my pet?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  2. NHS. How to wash your hands
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Caring for the Caregiver
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Male Fertility and Cancer Treatment
  5. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: remission
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Follow-Up Medical Care
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
  8. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: absolute neutrophil count
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Support for Families When Someone Has Cancer
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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